It is no secret that Rolex is the world’s most popular luxury wristwatch brand. However, this independently-run company is also one of the most uncommunicative entities in the luxury watch industry. Rolex is indeed a universe of its own – admired, esteemed, valued and universally recognised. The manufacturer hardly permits anyone to get into its hallowed halls. However, such a fascinating collocation has nurtured an air of mystery encompassing the cult of Rolex timepieces, well-stocked with many myths.
Let’s today explore the truth behind the five most popular Rolex myths. Have a look!
1. Myth 1 – Rolex Never Produced Quartz Watches
The fact is that Rolex spent nearly five years manufacturing quartz calibres in-house after the brand decided to leave the Centre Electronique Horloger consortium (CEH). The CEH produced a Swiss-made quartz movement – the Beta-21 quartz calibre that powered the Rolex ‘Texan’ Reference 5100, Omega Electroquartz, Patek Philippe 3597 and more.
Eventually, Rolex manufactured in-house quartz movements – the Calibre 5055 for the Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date and Calibre 5035 for the Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust. The brand is known to have made just 25,000 Oysterquartz timepieces from 1977 to 2003.
2. Myth 2 – Rolex Timepieces Don’t Tick
If you search ‘how to spot fake Rolex Watches’, the first tidbit you are likely to encounter is that Rolex watches do not tick. However, this myth is two-fold. How?
First, quartz watches generally are associated with the ‘ticking’ sound. The ‘seconds’ hand on quartz watches moves one position each second, producing a ‘ticking’ sound. While most people consider quartz timepieces to be cheap, it is typically assumed that Rolex has never produced quartz watches. However, it is not true.
Although Rolex indeed does not create quartz timepieces any longer today, the brand has made quartz models in the past. Rolex Reference 5100 featured a Beta-21 quartz calibre movement. Moreover, Rolex provided its Oysterquartz timepieces with in-house quartz calibres. Each of these Rolex watches indeed ‘tick’.
Second, mechanical watches also technically make a ‘tick’ sound, though at an extremely faster pace. This eventually offers the impression that ‘seconds’ hand is sweeping around the dial. Contemporary Rolex watches are powered by self-winding calibres that run at 28,000beats per hour, and it is equal to about eight ticks each second.
3. Myth 3 – Rolex has used only 18ct Gold
Indeed, Rolex today utilises only 18ct gold to design its gold as well as bi-tone watches. Moreover, the brand also has a patent pink gold alloy, introduced in 2005 named as ‘Everose’. Nonetheless, it wasn’t always the case.
Vintage Rolex watches are available in 9ct and 14ct gold. The manufacturer also created watches with gold shell at one point. While the stainless steel surfaces of the watches are capped with a thick layer of gold, they are often referred to as ‘Golden Egg’ Rolexes.
4. Myth 4 – Rolex Doesn’t Make Complicated Watches
Some watch aficionados like to categorise Rolex as a luxury watch brand that manufactures high-quality, simple watches, devoid of any complications. However, again it’s not true. Complications refer to every function on a timepiece other than telling the time. However, a complication can range from an uncomplicated date window to highly intricate annual calendars. Keeping this in mind, the fact is Rolex indeed produces complicated watches.
The Geneva-based Swiss watch brand has produced watches with date windows, the famous Day-Date collection, chronograph watches, moon phase watches and also, dual time timepieces. Besides, the new-generation Yacht-Master II comes equipped with countdown timer, mechanical memory and flyback chronograph. Also, the Rolex Sky-Dweller watches sport the highly complex annual calendar complication.
5. Myth 5 – Rolex Watchcases Never posses any Markings
Most of the luxury watch manufacturers employ their watches’ case-backs as a canvas to carve numbers, logos or any unique inscriptions. On the contrary, the solid screw-down fluted Rolex watchcases are typically not embellished. But, it is simply not true that case-backs of Rolex watches never possess any impressions.
The Rolex Milgauss Ref. 116400 has the words ‘Rolex Oyster’ as well as ‘Milgauss’ inscribed around its case-back edge. Moreover, the case back of Deepsea watches has the text ‘Sea-Dweller 12800ft = 3000m’ and ‘Rolex Oyster Deepsea’ engraved on it. Some case-backs of gold Rolex Lady President and Lady Datejust watches also have the engravings ‘Original Rolex Design’ on them.
Although you will rarely find Rolex case-backs with markings, the assertion that case-backs of Rolexes never have markings is undoubtedly a myth.
Thus, if you hear any of these famous Rolex myths the next time, delve into the fact first before believing it. However, for those who are looking to pawn a Rolex watch or sell Rolex watches in Romford or anywhere within the Essex, visit our shop at The Liberty Shopping Centre in Romford with your asset and raise quick cash immediately.
Customers residing anywhere within the Essex including Romford, Brentwood, Basildon, Colchester, Barking, Dagenham, Hornchurch, Ilford and Leyton can indeed walk into our shop straight with the item you wish to sell or pawn with Golden Cash pawnbrokers Essex.
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